PLUG-IN HYBRID CARS (PHEV)

PHEV is the abbreviation for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This type of hybrid electric car runs on electricity as well as petrol or diesel. PHEVs have a large battery that can be recharged from an external outlet, which enables them to run solely on electric power for longer.

PHEV is the abbreviation for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This type of hybrid electric car runs on electricity as well as petrol or diesel. PHEVs have a large battery that can be recharged from an external outlet, which enables them to run solely on electric power for longer.

A Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) operates similarly to a standard Hybrid car, with a petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a battery. Unlike standard hybrids, PHEVs feature a larger battery that can be recharged whilst driving or via an external power source. This allows them to travel significant distances using only electric power. 

The Kia Sportage PHEV,for instance, has a range of up to 43 miles on a single charge – more than enough for the average daily commute. It can also call on the petrol engine during longer trips, if necessary.

A Plug-In Hybrid car can charge its battery while driving via regenerative braking, which captures energy during decelerating or while travelling downhill. 

Due to their larger batteries, PHEVs require charging from an external source, such as a home or public charging point, to maximise their range.

If you don't charge a Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), you'll have to rely on its petrol or diesel engine for power. While PHEVs can recover some energy through regenerative braking - similar to hybrid cars - this process only provides a small recharge and isn't enough for sustained electric-only driving. To maximise the benefits of a PHEV, including improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, it's essential to keep the battery sufficiently charged. That means plugging it in whenever possible.

Driving a Plug-In Hybrid car can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. The transition between electric and petrol power is typically seamless, offering a relaxed driving experience. Electric motors also deliver maximum torque instantly, providing responsive acceleration.  

Book your test drive at a dealer close to you and experience a Kia PHEV for yourself.

Our longest-range Plug-In Hybrid is the Kia Sportage PHEV, which has an electric range of up to 43 miles* on one charge. This range excludes the petrol engine capacity and can vary depending on the terrain you're driving on, the weight of the vehicle, in-car tech usage and other elements. 

*The range was determined according to the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP). The individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real-life range and can possibly reduce it.

The key difference between hybrids and Plug-In-Hybrids is the battery size and charging method. PHEVs have larger batteries that can be recharged externally, allowing for extended electric-only driving compared to standard hybrid vehicles.

Hybrids, however, rely on regenerative braking and the engine to recharge their smaller batteries, limiting their electric-only range.

A Plug-In Hybrid SUV is a passenger car equipped with a hybrid system. It features an elevated ground clearance and a battery that is rechargeable from an external power source. Our Plug-In Hybrid SUV range includes popular models like the Niro PHEV and the Sportage PHEV. 

Unlike a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), an MHEV cannot run solely on electric power, although its combustion engine switches off during braking, coasting and stopping. A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) enhances the efficiency of its internal combustion engine (ICE) using a 48V battery and electric motor.